Redknapp backing England

In the wake of a much needed win over Estonia, Harry Redknapp has told the Pompey site that he still believes England can qualify for the European Championships next summer - he also backs Frank Lampard to prove his critics wrong.

'It wasn't the strongest opposition the other night but England, like any team, can only go out and beat what is in front of them so in that respect they did the job.

'I still think they are strong enough to qualify and they have a few to come at Wembley which I reckon will see them through comfortably.

'Frank Lampard has been getting a tough time in some quarters but he is a good player, a 20 goal man from the middle of the field and I'm sure the level headed guy he is he will take everything in his stride and play a vital part in the country's progress in this competition.'

I hope that England still make it, even though it is commonly agreed that in the long run failure for us to do so could be in our best interest - and I think we all know what I mean - but I do not quite share Redknapp's optimism.

Most of the games are at Wembley - yep good I know - but with Russia and Croatia coming knowing that 'just' a point could be enough we are still looking like we have it all to do - particularly as we also have to go to Russia. And we thought going to Croatia was tough!

Comments

i am forever the optimist, even tho i sometimes try to give the impression i am not, so i will not give up yet - but it is not looking good... silver lining tho if we fail spineless steve is out on his arse...

When my son was young he supported Brazil and I couldn't understand why he wasn't interested in England. I mean, everybody English should support England, surely? But now it's me not bothering to watch my National Team - and I'll keep on not bothering until Spineless Steve McClown is fired (from a cannon hopefully, after all the doors have fallen off his car and the engine's exploded). Off course it means not really wanting them to qualify for the finals . . . . . . heresy, I know.

Et_tu_Pompeii..I am in absolute agreement! I was never a fan of McClown when he was at Middlesborough, but I cant believe how much of a smarmy ***** he really is!! I have only noticed how much since he has been in the England spotlight, but I find it so hard to believe that someone can get it soooooo wrong!!! he was so wrapped up in his own ego trip, he missed the whole point of making the team as good as it can be! Mr Beckham is absolute proof that he got it wrong!! I could slag this guy off all day long but I wont. I want him out ASAP

The problem is that after Sven the press wanted an English manager, the FA capitulated so who else was there. big sam wanted the job but his teams play ugly football but with SteveMac#*t they could say thet were promoting from within.

promoting from within to use a puppet they control nonetheless... it is good to have an english manager - for obvious reasons - but if they aren't the best the fa should be man enough and look elsewhere, but this is a debate for another time :) croatia have a phenomenal home record in qualifying matches dont they, so you are right when you think about russellm, that probably was the tougher game. but russia have guus hiddink in charge now dont they and he is astute enough to know what russia have to do isn't he...

I can also see Russia being easier than Croatia, I'm pretty sure were going to qualify too. I still say Big Sam should be England manager, I was hoping he would replace Mclaren when he left Bolton, but it wasnt to be! I mean, can you really see Mclaren laying into the players st half time after a poor performance???? I cant. & I recon thats whats needed. That dressing room must be full of some pretty big egos that need a kick up the butt some times!!.....just pausing for breath.......nope!...I'm done! :)